IT Support

Our goal is to provide configurable, professional and straight-talking IT support for SMEs in the North West. So, whether you need advice every now and again, or you’re looking for a complete package, we can tailor-fit our IT services to suit you.

Managed IT Support

Looking for comprehensive IT support for a fixed monthly price? We’ll become your IT department, proactively managing everything from assessments and onboarding, through to ongoing support, protection, strategic optimisation and all the bits in between.

Pro Active Monitoring

A preventative maintenance service designed to support SME’s existing IT departments, our proactive monitoring support ensures system issues are identified and resolved, before they can cause problems. This approach creates a second or third line of support for your team, resulting in a fully comprehensive IT strategy.

Hosted Phone Systems

Telecoms is often just as important as the IT infrastructure itself, which is why we offer integrated VoIP phone solutions that keep your systems, employees and customers connected, in the slickest way possible.

Managed Cloud Services

At Q2Q-IT we know the everyday needs of a modern business. The nerve centre of communication in business is email; so, it is important to have a reliable and, most importantly, safe form of communication. As well as managing your cloud storage, here at Q2Q we also manage the complex tools and software that help your computer network thrive.

Business Internet Services

It is impossible to run a modern SME without the power of the internet. That’s why we offer a range of comprehensive internet and broadband services to ensure fast and reliable connectivity for your business, at all times.

Disaster Recovery

A computer crash does not have to be the end of the world for your business. The most common cause of an IT disaster is a simple failure of technology, meaning that months or even years of files can be lost through no fault of your business. However, such a loss can have a devastating effect.

Backup and Replication

Whilst you can never know when you may incur a data loss, you can guarantee that nothing will be lost forever. We offer a range of contingency plans including remote backups and data replication – both designed to keep your information safe and secure, even when the unexpected happens.

Managed Cloud Services

Looking for all of the benefits that come with cloud servers, without any of the technical difficulties that may arise? We offer a variety of cloud services managed by our own IT experts so it’s one less thing for clients to worry about.

Hosted Business Email

By 2019, it is estimated that 204 billion emails will be sent per year. The need to send and receive emails, using a variety of devices, has therefore never been greater. But with this growing magnitude of digital communications comes the additional headache of managing archived messages, as well as spam, malware, viruses and phishing attempts. We can help.

Cyber Security

Cyber crime is one of the biggest risks facing UK SMEs, but it is also one of the dangers that so many organisations continue to overlook. Our IT experts are clued up on the latest protection mechanisms to keep your business, employees and data, cyber safe.

Assessments

Are you struggling to understand the current state of your IT infrastructure? Or are you worried about complying with the new General Data Protection Regulations? Whether you’re preparing for growth, concerned about data security, or just think it’s time for an IT MOT – we can help you regain control!

Our IT Assessment can provide the answers to all common SME pain points, while our specialised GDPR Assessment will help you get your data processes in shape and complying with the new legislation.

IT Assessment

We’ll undertake a thorough, 36-point health-check of your current IT infrastructure and processes, before presenting our findings in an easy-to-digest graphical report. The result is a clear understanding of the areas for improvement, in priority order, along with a breakdown of the actions required to achieve progress.

GDPR Assessment

The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into effect on the 25th May 2018, with the intention of bringing existing EU legislation surrounding the use and processing of ‘personal data’ up to date.

Results for keyword: support

Recently, our operational development director, Lorna Stellakis took part in Business Leader's My Working Day Q&A. Lorna revealed what time she wakes up on a morning, the best way to prioritise a day’s work and the best piece of advice she’s ever received. If you missed the article you can catch up on it below…

Now, we know what you’ll be thinking… Q2Q is an managed IT support provider, so how on earth could they deliver an impartial view on this topic?!

And whilst it’s true that we do act as an external service provider for other companies – and depend on them seeking our help – we don’t gloss over fact that there are advantages to having internal IT resources and expertise in order to sell ourselves. In fact, quite the opposite!

It’s an important question that all SME owners should be asking themselves. Not all back-up procedures are created equal and the truth is, many aren’t as reliable as they need to be.

Having trustworthy, secure duplicates of vital business data is one thing, but implementing an effective process to ensure these back-ups are created efficiently is another entirely. And that’s where our 3-2-1 approach comes in!

Check out this short animation to learn more about why we swear by this model when it comes to backing up data – and for some top tips on keeping your copies safe…

Keen to hear more about how we can help with your back-up and data recovery procedures? Don’t be shy! Give us a call on 01524 581690 or drop us an email for more information.

Well, it’s finally arrived… 25 May has been and gone, and the dreaded new data protection legislation is finally in full force.

So, what should you be doing now?

It’s important to remember that GDPR compliance isn’t just one little box you need to tick – it’s an ongoing journey. Even if you’ve spent the past year preparing, your hard work isn’t over yet. You still need to stay on top of your data processes to ensure nothing falls through the gaps.

To help keep you on the right track where sensitive data and security are concerned, we’ve put together a short animation covering five key steps to staying compliant…

If you’re looking to enlist help with IT from external consultants for your SME, the chances are you will be familiar with the term ‘Service Level Agreement’ (SLA). These are commonly used to define how service providers respond to a client’s issues and requests.

In essence, SLAs form a promise to deal with problems and challenges in a given way, within a specific timescale.

When it comes to protecting your SME against lurking cyber-security threats, there are a number of obvious steps you’ll have probably taken already – for instance, setting strong passwords, encrypting sensitive files, installing anti-virus software and warning employees not to click links in dodgy-looking emails.

But it’s also likely that there are some key vulnerabilities that you’ve overlooked in your preparations. However hard you try, the truth is that there’s always more that can be done to safeguard your company against a cyber-attack. So, whilst it might seem like you’re fighting a losing battle, don’t be disheartened! Getting the small things right does make a difference and helps to bolster your defences.

As your SME grows and your IT systems become more sophisticated, the chances are you will want to boost your technical support capacity. That could mean adding extra employees to your payroll or looking for more robust external help.

Whichever option is best for your business, the right qualifications and experience are crucial to new people’s ability to hit the ground running. Installing, testing and maintaining computers, networks and software systems all take specific knowledge and expertise.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), sending compliant marketing emails can seem like navigating a minefield. To help you along the way, we've compiled a short video with some essential dos and don'ts, to make sure you're on track before you click send.

So, if you’re confused about what the GDPR entails – or not sure how to continue spreading the word about your SME without breaking the rules – make sure you check them out!

If there’s one lesson to be learned from the recent £400,000 fine served to Carphone Warehouse following its 2015 data breach, it’s that there are no shortcuts when it comes to data protection. And with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) now just a matter of weeks away, a breach under the new legislation could have even more disastrous consequences.

You might have heard by now that our MD Andrew is not only an IT whizz, but also an EU certified GDPR practitioner – we certainly haven’t kept quiet about it!

Given the new data protection regulations present such a huge need for change amongst businesses throughout the UK – affecting everything from huge corporations to SMEs – there’s a rising demand amongst company owners and directors across all sectors, for easy-to-follow advice and practical tips on achieving compliance.

Client Testimonial

"The Q2Q support team are excellent at their jobs - they are incredibly friendly and experts in their fields."

Vicky Lofthouse - CEO - Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce

Client Testimonial

"We know our business will remain functional at all times – their support is genuinely 24/7. But this isn’t just because we’ve made an agreement or because they have SLAs to fulfil. A proactive, problem-solving, ‘can do’ approach is part of Q2Q’s DNA."

Philip Oldham - CEO - Lyle and Scott

Client Testimonial

"We find the service to be speedy, friendly, and most importantly, honest."

Andrea Lumb - Finance Director - CME Medical

Client Testimonial

"They always listen to us and provide pragmatic solutions that fit with our business objectives."

Michael Gregory - Director - Freshfield

Client Testimonial

"Q2Q’s IT audit enabled me to see a snapshot of Dreamr’s tech needs with a simple and jargon free way to fix important issues. For any busy owner, Q2Q is hands down the way forward."

Mylo Kaye - CEO - DreamR

Client Testimonial

"We’re already ahead of the curve in our current 5-year business plan, which means our IT infrastructure should support us long into the future."

Latest News

These days, the influence of the internet is huge, but greater still is our dependency on it to carry out everyday tasks – especially at work.

The truth is that internet connectivity is a hygiene factor for the majority of modern-day SMEs – from emails and conference calls, to digitised databases and software packages. You need all this – and more – to complete your job efficiently, so when web issues arise, it can be frustrating and distracting for all employees.

Given connectivity is at the core of your business needs, it goes without saying that you should always be benefitting from fast – and reliable – connections.

So, how can you ensure your workplace internet is working as well as you need it to? Here are some key things to bear in mind…

On a daily basis I work on resolving IT issues for our clients. My skill set tends to adapt according to the current needs of our customers, from solving basic matters like fixing a printer through to more complex server infrastructure deployment. I am also often out on site visiting customers that are in need of an IT saviour.

Within the team, I work on the proposals for new and existing customers, and ensure we all work together to implement the solutions we propose.

I enjoy overseeing new projects so that, when clients evolve, we can ensure their growth, office move and/or induction of a new team member, is as seamless as possible from an IT perspective.

I also drive the rest of the team insane with my singing!

Background and Achievements

I joined the Q2Q team when they were part of the I.T. department for the Tulchan Group 14+ years ago. This was my first full-time role straight of out A-levels. I have enjoyed being part of the company and watching it grow from 3 members of staff to a blossoming 10.

I find it hard to pin point specific achievements as one of my values personally is to always exceed your own expectations. My wife would say being a great Dad to my two boys.

A great achievement for me is getting 76 miles to the gallon on the motorway and being able to finally grow stubble.

Hobbies and Interests

I aim to train in Muay Thai twice a week and religiously go to the gym every day I can.

When SMEs are looking to invest in IT support, many will be sold exclusively by the bottom-line cost – which isn’t always the most accurate judgement call.

We understand that any external expenditure has to have a solid business case and be able to successfully demonstrate a positive return on investment – and rightly so! That’s why business owners need to meticulously weigh-up the pros and cons of each provider – not just the pound signs – and ensure they are the best and most supportive ‘fit’ for their organisation on a much greater level.

Find out more about why we believe IT support goes above and beyond just the numbers…

It’s an office full of creative geeks with great banter, what’s not to love!

As a child I wanted to be a ... when I grew up

An actress

Guilty Pleasure(s)

Trash reality TV

Favourite Holiday

Walking in Wales if I am feeling energetic, Crete if I need a rest!

If I had a superpower it would be...

Mind Reading

Describe yourself in three words or less

Fun, nurturing, efficient

An interesting fact about me

My first car was a Humber Sceptre, which started my obsession with cars

Likes

Thai food, long walks with my dog, creating ideas with post it notes!

Favourite Band

I’ll listen to pretty much anything I can sing along to

Karaoke Jam

Islands in the stream, Dolly Parton

What I do at Q2Q:

My role is essentially support Andrew (the MD) with defining the overall business strategy and financial budgeting, then to design and deliver cost effective process and organisational change strategies, managing positive change in support of Q2Q’s future growth plans.

I work with the team to ensure there is continuous organisational performance improvement that is always customer centric, ensuring they are working collaboratively and efficiently, coaching them individually and as a team to bring out their best performance in supporting our customers.

Background and Achievements

The majority of my career has been in the mad world of Fashion, on the planning and operational side. In my previous role as Operations Director for a Heritage Menswear brand, I was responsible for the end to end journey of the product, from range planning, through sourcing, production, quality control, logistics, warehousing and customer service. Some of my key achievements in this role were improving on all delivery and service KPI’s, improving quality performance from 10% rejects to 1%, and delivering a significant number of process improvements across the team, whilst also delivering a saving on costs of 10% on overheads.

• As this role spanned so many disciplines, it enabled me to focus on my true passion, which is process improvement and people development, so my proudest achievement was introducing a Continuous Improvement Project Team to the wider business, bringing a positive change culture based on a combination of ideas including Appreciative Inquiry and Solution Focus tools. The workshops we developed empowered people to solve problems cross functionally, and considerably improved communication, collaboration and efficiency, whilst making savings to the bottom line. These workshops have formed the basis of the tools I now incorporate into Q2Q, and offer as an additional consultancy service to Q2Q customers.